Rwanda National Police

As part of the on-going campaign, secondary school students in Musanze District have pledged to show solidarity in the fight violence against women and children, as well as cooperate with law enforcers to report cases of gender-based-violence (GBV) and child abuse whenever they occur in their neighborhoods.

 This was during a sensitization campaign on October 26 initiated by Rwanda National Police (RNP) to discuss anti-GBV initiatives with youths and students across the country.

 The campaign was held at Kabaye Secondary School in Muhoza Sector,  and attracted over 400 students.

 In her remarks, The District Community Liaison Officer (DCLO) of Musanze, Inspector of Police (IP) Saudah Mujawamariya, told the students that they should not tolerated behavior in their homes and neighborhoods, such as women battering, children abuse or luring them into sexual intercourse and other abusive acts and instead report them to law enforcers or local leaders.

 “As the young generation, you should take action and be vocal against GBV by addressing behavioral issues that encourage violence against women and children. Always be active in national campaigns to promote women's rights to peace and freedom from violence,” she said.

 IP Saudah also called on students and teachers to protect women and children against any form of torture, abuse or dehumanizing acts, and also concentrate on their education and work hard to develop their nation.

 Speaking on behalf of other students, Vianney Izadufasha, a senior five student, commended RNP for reaching out to the students and vowed to work through their anti-crime club to fight against GBV and sensitize their community about the dangers brought about by the scourge.

 “I have attended several campaigns by police against GBV and I know now that I have a crucial role to play to make Rwanda free of GBV. I have gained so much confidence when I participated in the campaigns to end violence against women and learnt to speak up against GBV and child abuse,” he said.

 RNP conducts several initiatives against GBV, and has anti-GBV desks at all police stations in the country to offer efficient and timely responses to reported cases.

 Earlier in July, in a bid to demonstrate a strong commitment to gender equality, and further boost the fight GBV, police joined the “HeForShe” global campaign for gender equality initiated by UN Women, whose goal is to engage men and boys as agents of change for the achievement of gender equality.